Move over, Michael Jordan’s “Republicans buy sneakers too” era. Retired WNBA icon Sue Bird is here to let everyone know that today’s athlete isn’t just talking about rebounds and assists—they’re calling for actual change. In a strikingly bold move, Bird’s old stomping ground, the Seattle Storm, recently endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the upcoming U.S. presidential election. And Bird, now part of the team’s ownership, is urging other sports franchises to hop on the political wagon.
“I get it,” Bird said, likely rolling her eyes in a charming, Sue-Bird-esque way. “Some people say, ‘Athletes should stick to sports,’ or the classic ‘shut up and dribble’ spiel.” But Bird is having none of it. She’s convinced the “stick to sports” approach needs a red card, especially if women want to make real progress. Besides, when you’ve racked up 13 WNBA All-Star appearances, who’s telling you to stay quiet?
Bird’s voice has grown even louder off the court, especially alongside her fiancée and two-time World Cup champion, Megan Rapinoe. Together, they’ve launched a media brand, A Touch More, which brings together podcasts, YouTube videos, and more to talk about everything but dribbling. As Rapinoe quipped, “We’d love to just play, but let’s be real—if we don’t speak up, who will?”
Bird’s invitation to team owners is a bit of a breakaway, to say the least. After all, it’s rare for teams to dip their toes into the murky waters of political endorsements. But for Bird, the endorsement goes beyond politics—it’s about equality, opportunity, and amplifying women’s voices, whether on a court or in Congress.
“Sports have always been political,” Bird insists. “If we can scream about a buzzer-beater, we can scream about change too.”
For those who once preferred athletes to stay quiet, Bird’s words might be a bit unsettling. But as anyone who’s seen her in action knows, Sue Bird doesn’t miss.